<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>What do you guys think about Cornell's Materials Science and Engineering program vs Michigan's Materials Science and Engineering? I want to study engineering as an undergrad but my goal is to eventually break into consulting or finance. However, I greatly value the skillset engineering provides you with. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Mistasuggs</p>
<p>Both will do. I would give Cornell Engineering the edge over Michigan for IBanking and Michigan Engineering the edge for Consulting. Bothy will open doors though. </p>
<p>I would go for the more affordable option. If cost is not a concern, I would go for fit.</p>
<p>Cost is definitely not a concern for me, but my parents are definitely pressuring me to choose Cornell. For me, the most important thing is the university’s reputation in East Asia. I plan on moving to Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or China after graduation.</p>
<p>I was very confused because by MSE I thought you meant the degree, not “Material Science and Engineering.” MSE in MSE. </p>
<p>Might as well go to Cornell, it has a slight prestige edge.</p>
<p>Mistasuggs, I do not think there is a difference in reputation between Cornell and Michigan in your parts of the world. However, if your parents are pressuring you to choose Cornell, I would go there. Why antagonize your parents for nothing. It’s not like Michigan is better than Cornell and that they are making you do something that is detrimental to your future.</p>
<p>Alexandre, do you think Cornell would have the same “wholesome” undergraduate experience Michigan offers? I’ve heard Cornell is a bit cutthroat mainly because its students are very top notch. Building on that, would you say the average Cornellian is much more accomplished than the average Wolverine? I think the strength of your peers is an integral component of the experience.</p>
<p>Mistasuggs, it is very difficult to duplicate the Michigan experience. The liveliness of life on campus, the athletic traditions, the pride of the students and alums in their university and the city of Ann Arbor are all strengths that few other universities can match. Cornell does not match Michigan in this regard. However, Cornell is a nice place to go to college in its own right, so I would not worry about missing out.</p>
<p>The strength of the student bodies are almost identical, with the slight edge going to Cornell, but it is not significant. You will not notice a difference in the quality of the students.</p>
<p>Just so you know Mistasuggs, Alexandre is a graduate of both of these schools. He knows what he is talking about!</p>
<p>I see thank you very much for all the input! Looks like my parents wont budge with Cornell… so most likely I’ll be going there.</p>
<p>Nothing wrong with that. Cornell is awesome.</p>